I'll try to keep this long story short. I ran reefer OTR for several years and started hauling hog feed locally 18 months ago. Im seriously considering making the investment into being my own boss. I would like to do something that keeps me semi close to home, though a few nights a week staying in the truck would be ok too. Based on contacts I've made through my current job, I had been considering hopper bottom. However it has been pointed out to me that because of where I live (Rocky Mount, NC) I should consider an end dump.
Basically, I live near the eastern most rock quarry for the north eastern part of the state. The stone used in the 100+ miles between here and the coast comes from this point or west. The thought is to at least have the option of moving stone east and moving grain west. Id lose some capacity on grain with an end dump over a hopper, but because we can run 90k in NC it wouldn't hurt the bottom line too much. An end dump would of course open up more options for things to haul. Im sure I would be in the market for a used trailer, but if I were specing one out, I am curious about some things.
Assuming I would be in the market for a 39ft flat bottom frameless, what specs regarding width and wall height should I be taking in to consideration? Does anyone have an opinion on the East Genesis Hybrid models? They're pretty popular around here. Ive seen them delivering grain to the mill many times.
Is an access door on the front worth having? It seems preferable for accessing the empty trailer rather than my fat ### climbing over the side.
Why are roll tarps far more preferred over slide n go type systems? It seems like something that slides the tarp bows out of the way would be preferable depending on what you're hauling. Are the cable type systems not as waterproof?
On the subject of tarp bows, are the swing in and out systems Ive seen on line worth a ####? If youre hauling scrap or something, it seems like that could get caught up on a piece of the load in which case I'm having to climb on top of the load anyway to get the bows set.
Should I invest in a liner? If so, what do you suggest?
What are some specs for a tractor to pull it I may have over looked?
I would appreciate any advice you guys can give.
I wanna talk end dumps.. maybe hoppers too.
Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by WalterSobchak, Mar 2, 2021.
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Other than that if you have any more questions fire away. I’m in no means an expert but I might be able to share what limited knowledge I have. Another thing I would suggest on the trailer is a spread axle with a lift front axle. Hauling bulk commodities in a dump it is so so hard to get legal axle weight. In a spread, if you are 80k and the loader didn’t do anything insane, you’re legal. Again just my $.02. @Trashtrucker1707 and @NightWind are the forums other resident end dumpers they can maybe chime in. @abyliks did it for some time as well I’ve chatted a few times with, but he’s liable to try to talk you out of your new venture!Cat sdp, REO6205, WalterSobchak and 3 others Thank this. -
Thanks for the reply! When I first started researching end dump I had no idea how much work could actually be involved with it.
You have definitely sold me on seeking a trailer with an access door. I assume though one could be installed should I purchase a trailer without it.
I'm coming in to this knowing for certain I'll be hauling grain and want to be set up best for such. It sounds like I should be leary of any scrap loads unless I was better set up for it.
This may be a dumb question, but what are the reasons you typically find yourself shoveling? Product stuck, overloaded, uneven weight?motocross25 Thanks this. -
Installing one after the fact is gonna be really expensive.......
you need the exercise..... go over the top if you don’t have a door....
Picture from local trailer dealership
WalterSobchak, RockinChair, Speed_Drums and 2 others Thank this. -
And yea mostly if the load sticks or freezes we shovel. Topsoil is real bad for sticking. I think I’ve hauled soy hull meal before and that stuck. Also too like in our shorter trailers like when we load DDG we’re full before we make weight. So we’ll get up there and shovel some to the side to create more room to get a little more on. Not a dumb question at all tho. Also when trailer shopping one thing to maybe watch out for is make sure the tailgate when pinned to open, barn doors toward the driver side. We have a few that swing the wrong way and fighting it against the tarp pole is pretty annoying. Not a HUGE deal, just annoying.WalterSobchak Thanks this. -
What’s a full liner and decent roll over tarp cost ......?
motocross25 Thanks this. -
This is just the limited research I did.
WalterSobchak and Cat sdp Thank this. -
motocross25 Thanks this.
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Never pulled a dump with my current truck.... but its pretty much set up for it.
2 ptos.... 1 with cooler and small reservoir for a product pump on a propane type trailer for example. And the other with 65 gal of oil for dump trailer , and a return line just in case......Suspect Zero Thanks this. -
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